Stade Rennais strengthened its team with the acquisition of two key players from Olympique de Marseille: Valentin Rongier and Quentin Merlin. These transfers, amounting to 22.5 million euros, cause some controversy among Rennes fans because of the past dedication of the two players to FC Nantes, a historic rival of the Breton club. Rongier, who had criticized Stade Rennais during his visit to Nantes, signed a contract until 2028, while Merlin undertook until 2029. Despite this controversy, the Rennes club hopes that the experience and level of play of these newcomers will help improve the team after a 2024-2025 season in half-tone, with the aim of a return to form and European ambition.

Riyad Mahrez, an Algerian international footballer, revealed his childhood admiration for the Olympique de Marseille, a deep feeling that binds him to the Phocéan club. Growing up in popular neighbourhoods, it was inspired by Marseille legends like Drogba, Niang and Nasri, considering OM as a symbol and a child’s dream. Although he never wore the Marseille white jersey, his sincere attachment continues to touch the fans. This passion and nostalgia reinforce the club’s legend, despite an exceptional professional career that led him to Leicester City and Manchester City before his current career in Saudi Arabia.

The summer mercato in Ligue 1 is currently the subject of numerous analyses, and journalist Florent Gautreau expressed his opinion on the recruitment strategies of OM and Monaco. According to him, OM leads a more coherent and reassuring mercato than Monaco, which relies on prestigious names but with uncertain expectations, especially concerning Paul Pogba and Ansou Fati. OM, led by Roberto De Zerbi, favours proven recruits such as Angel Gomes and Facundo Medina, thus offering more guarantees. Gautreau believes that OM, by relying on continuity and complementarity, takes a more relevant approach than Monaco, which plays the high-risk betting card.